About our Hot Air Balloon

It’s big, bright and wonderful…

How big is a balloon?

There are many different sizes of balloon from small, one person balloons to very large ones that can carry twenty people or more. Sports balloons average between 65,000 and 105,000 cubic feet and carry from three to six people. These balloons when inflated vary in height from eighteen to twenty-seven metres and are between thirteen and eighteen metres in diameter. We have 3 different size balloons, one of 120,000 cubic feet, the 2nd of 210,000 cubic feet and our biggest is 350,000 cubic feet.

Do you need a license to fly a balloon?

Yes, our pilots have Commercial Pilot Balloon Licenses, we are just like any other aviation charter business and all of the same rules and regulations apply.

How many people can you carry?

Our largest balloon is licensed to carry up to 16 passengers plus the pilot but it also has a weight limit, so sometimes we get to the weight limit before we get to the 16 passengers. Our middle size balloon can lift up to 8 to 10 passengers and our smallest can lift up to 5 passengers plus the pilot.

How much does the balloon cost?

The cost of a balloon varies greatly depending on how big it is. We have three balloons which can carry up to 5, 10 or 16 passengers depending on which balloon you are talking about. The largest of the three cost about $160,000, and the other two were about $80,000 and $65,000.

Why do you still use wicker for the baskets?

Wicker is light in weight, flexible and very strong – and besides, it looks so nice…

How much does the balloon weigh?

This depends on the size of the balloon. Our largest balloon weighs 1091 kilos fully fueled.

What is the balloon made of?

The first panel of the balloon is made of Nomex which is extremely fire-retardant. The material from the 2nd panel up is rip-stop nylon which is coated with polyurethane.

What type of gas do you use?

LPG – liquid propane gas, the same thing you might use in your gas barbeque.